Orange alert issued by IMD forecasting heavy rainfall and thunderstorm in Himachal from 18 April
Indian Meteorological Department forecast five days of inclement weather from today onwards and issued an Advisory of yellow and orange alert predicting thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms, and rainfall.
The spokesperson of Shimla Met Office said that the state is likely to have rain at most places on April 18 and 19 in mid hills and many parts in the foothills and high reaches.
An orange alert was issued by the IMD for April 18 forecasting heavy rainfall, Thunderstorm, lightning, and hailstorm in isolated, similarly, a yellow alert was also sounded from today onwards till April 20 forecasting heavy rain, Thunderstorm lightning, and hailstorm in isolated places.
The report arriving here said that a hailstorm occurred in Koksar of Lahaul-Spiti Jubbal in Shimla and Bharmaur in Chamba district in the past 24 hrs. Chamba, Sangla in Kinnuar, and Kasol of Kulku had three mm of rain each.
The department attributed inclement weather conditions approaching active western disturbance light to moderate rain or snow associated with thunderstorm or lighting & hailstorm likely to commence in HP from late 17th April 2023 for subsequent 3-4 days with peak intensity from April 18 to 19.
Heavy rainfall is also likely in one or two parts of the districts of Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, and adjoining areas during the 18th and 19th of April 2023.
Light to moderate snowfall activity is also likely in higher reaches of the district Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, Kinnaur, Kangra, Shimla, Kullu, and adjoining areas during this period. Rain spell is also likely to be accompanied by occasional thunderstorms or lighting and hailstorm in the plains, and low and mid hills of the state during this period.
The average minimum temperatures would be above normal for the next 24-36 hrs and fall by 2-3 deg afterward and The average maximum temperatures would be above normal during the next 24-36 hrs in the State, and a significant fall afterward.
In view of expected rainfall or snowfall there could be disruption of traffic and other essential services in hilly districts of the state Tourists may be advised to be careful. Disruption of power and communication facilities in the low and mid-hill district of the state in view of expected thunderstorms/lighting and hailstorm. Avoid going in open areas in view of expected thunderstorms and Poor visibility conditions in the hilly districts of the state creating difficulty for Commuters.
Met Department advised Farmers that it may damage standing crops, fruit plants, and new plantings due to hailstorms. They should take care of ripening crops by using anti-hail nets over the crops. Installation of anti-hail guns wherever possible.
“In view of expected thunderstorms or hailstorms farmers are advised to take adequate measures with the use of anti-hail nets and other safety measures and Avoid farming operations for the next 3-4 days in view of inclement weather. Farmers also should follow the advisories and guidelines issued by the concerned department and Use of anti-hail nets over the crop” the Advisory mentions.
